Chapter 2

2

"I took it off."

"But I made it myself. It's the proof of our love. Why take it off?"

I lied casually. "I've gained some weight lately. It doesn't fit anymore."

Vincent's expression softened, and his smile returned. "Alright. I'll take it to the shop to get it resized in a few days."

"Whatever."

"Wait, what's that on the table?"

He pointed to the elegant jewelry box I had brought home. "Is that a gift for me, Maddy?"

I nodded. "Yes."

Inside was a small, solid block of silver.

I had melted our marriage into a cold, hard lump of metal.

Vincent looked genuinely happy. "What's the occasion? You actually bought me a gift?"

My heart sank further.

"Today... is our wedding anniversary."

Vincent's face turned pale.

He tried to coax me in a pleading tone. "I'm so sorry, Maddy. Work really got in the way. How about we go out for dinner? I'll book a table right now..."

"No need. I already ate."

"Then how about a late-night drive? We could walk by the lake?"

"I'm tired. I want to sleep."

Vincent wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. "Come on, Maddy. We haven't walked together in ages. I feel like you've been cold lately. I'm starting to worry my Maddy is falling out of love with me."

Was I the one falling out of love?

You were the one who let someone else into your heart.

You were the one who left us first.

And this time, I was taking my heart back forever, along with my entire life.

On the way out, Vincent drove while chatting and laughing about his day.

I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, ignoring him.

When I had buckled my seatbelt, my hand brushed against something in the gap of the seat.

It was a pair of women's stockings.

They had clearly been worn.

I quietly stuffed them back into the crevice.

I acted like nothing happened.

Since I had already decided to leave, I didn't want to argue anymore.

Arguments would only lead to more useless lies.

I didn't want his explanations anymore.

When we reached the lake, Vincent got out and opened my door. "Maddy, we're here."

I didn't want to be there, but this lake was where we spent our first dates.

It started here, so let it end here.

"Wait, isn't that Mr. Ford from the news today? The one who made his own wedding ring?"

"I remember him! What a perfect husband!"

"He's even shielding her head so she doesn't hit it on the car roof. He's so thoughtful!"

Just then, Vincent's phone rang.

"I'm so sorry, Maddy," he said apologetically. "Give me a second. It's a work call. I'll be right back."

"Go ahead."

"Wait here for me. Don't wander off."

The people nearby cooed again.

"He treats her like a precious princess. He's afraid she'll get lost."

"So sweet!"

I stood by the water, staring at the moonlight reflecting on the waves with a wooden expression.

When Vincent saw the caller ID, he couldn't hide his smirk.

It was a look of affection and playfulness.

How could that be work?

I didn't bother calling him out.

The wind by the lake was cold, so I went back into the car to wait.

The car's touchscreen was still logged into Vincent's social media account.

New messages were popping up one by one.

The contact was named 【Hungry Kitten Raina】.

Vincent: "Miss me already?"

Hungry Kitten Raina: "The night feels empty without you."

Vincent: "You greedy kitten. Wasn't seven times today enough for you?"

Hungry Kitten Raina: "Never enough. Daddy, I want more."

Vincent: "Fine. Tomorrow at the office. I'll satisfy you."

Hungry Kitten Raina: "Hehe. I'll wear black stockings to work tomorrow."

The rest of the chat was filled with vulgar language and filth.

I felt a chill run through my body and shut off the screen.

I was shaking, though I couldn't tell if it was from the cold or the rage. My nails dug deep into my palms.

Vincent came back about fifteen minutes later.

He let out a huge sigh of relief as he sat down. "I didn't see you when I turned around. You scared me to death. Thank God you're okay."

I couldn't look at his hypocritical face anymore. I kept my eyes on my hands.

"It was cold outside. I came back to the car."

"Right, right. Stay wherever makes you comfortable."

I suddenly looked up at him.

After reading those messages, his words took on a darker meaning.

Stay wherever makes you comfortable.

Those stockings in the seat gap...

Did they do it right here in this passenger seat?

A wave of nausea hit me. I shoved the door open and vomited on the pavement.